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a publication of United jewish federation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien

july 2014/tammuz-av 5774Volume 16, Number 6

CAMOS is planning a fall Shabbaton for families interested in moving to Stamford.

A UJF Parlor Meeting discussed the importance of summer camp for kids; on page 4, JFS announces its summer camp scholarships.

Three local teens reflect on their experiences on the annual March of the Living.

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A Big Thank You to 350 Teen VolunteersAlmost 1,000 people attended the Friendship Circle’s Evening of Appreciation on June 1 at the Stamford Hilton Hotel, joining together as a united community to support the teen volunteers and Friendship Circle families. The Friendship Circle seeks to bring Jewish teen volunteers together with children with special needs for hours of fun and friendship. These shared experiences empower children with special needs, while enriching the lives of everyone involved. More than 100 families who have children with special needs benefit from Friendship Circle programs. Three hundred and fifty teenage volunteers provide more than 12,500 friendship hours annually. Above: Some of the Friendship Circle teen volunteers gathered for a group photo at the Evening of Appreciation.

By ISRAEL21c StaffEvery day, Israel21c reports on Israeli

innovations that are making life easier and better across the globe, from medical and agricultural advances to social-action initiatives and high-tech wonders.

To celebrate the 66th Israel Indepen-dence Day, which took place this year on May 6, here are 18 innovations from Israel specifically designed to save lives – some al-ready on the market and some coming soon. In Hebrew, the number 18 corresponds to the word “chai” (“life”). Israel21c is sure you will share its pride in Israeli ingenuity benefiting humankind everywhere.

1. The First Care Emergency Bandage

Eighteen Israeli Inventions That Could Save Your Life

(also known as the “Israeli bandage”), in-vented by an Israeli military medic, is used to stop bleeding from hemorrhagic wounds in trauma situations. Credited for saving the life of U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords in a 2011 shooting, the bandage is widely used by military medics and civilian first-responders the world over.

2. A fatal car crash can happen in a split second. That’s why Jerusalem-based Mobileye technology for identifying and alerting to driving hazards is being built into virtually every new vehicle in the world. Mobileye is the largest private high-tech company in Israel and the world’s

Tzofim Friendship Caravan Concert at JCC

The Tzofim (Israel Scouts) Friend-ship Caravan, a troupe of young Israeli performers who travel across North America each summer performing for camps and Jewish organizations, will ap-pear at the Stamford Jewish Community Center on Tuesday, July 1, at 7 pm. The entire community is invited to attend the concert, which is free of charge and open to all ages.

The Caravan is made up of carefully selected Israeli teenagers who seek to share their passion and knowledge about Israel through song and dance performances. For the third consecutive summer, the JCC will host the Tzofim, who will perform during the day for children attending the JCC’s O-la-mi summer program, and in the evening,

for the entire community.The Tzofim Movement is an Israeli

youth movement that serves the needs of more than 60,000 Israelis by organiz-ing youth groups and programs that include nature hikes, community service projects, cultural activities and informal education programs.

In 1995, the Friends of Israel Scouts Inc. was formed to encourage programs that develop and maintain a connection between the Tzofim movement in Israel and North American Jewry. The goal of the program is to show Israel in a positive light, promote brotherhood, tolerance and respect among people of all faiths, form strong bonds of friendship between the Israeli youth and their American

Children to Benefit from New 3 Square ProgramBy Elanit Kayne Linder

One out of five children in Con-necticut goes hungry or is considered “food insecure.” In fact, these children have their breakfast and lunch meals, during the week, provided by the free meal programs at the public schools. During the weekends, however, there is a void. Members of the board of Women’s Philanthropy of Stamford’s UJF were shocked to hear this statistic and decided that something had to be done.

And so, the “3 Square” service project was created. This ongoing project, begin-ning in September, will provide supple-mental nutrition to students identified as “in need.” The program will start off in one elementary school with the hope of quickly expanding to the remaining

ones. The “3 Square” program, with sup-port from Jewish Family Service, will run on teamwork. Not only are contributions to purchase food needed, but volunteers will be asked to pack the bags with food on a weekly basis and deliver them to schools in the community. Volunteers in teams of two or three will give just a few hours of their time on a chosen week to pack and deliver bags of healthy, nutritious foods to supplement at-risk elementary school-age children. Food will be distributed by a school staff member. Bags tucked into a child’s backpack may include crack-ers, protein bars, milk and juice boxes, dried fruits, pasta, tuna and fruit cups. All packages will be easy to open and will not require any cooking.

See “Tzofim” on page 2 See “Square” on page 2

See “Campus” on page 4See “Inventions” on page 14

New Intergenerational Campus for Jewish Senior ServicesGround Breaking Ceremony for $72 Million Building

Joined by Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy and Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch, Jewish Senior Services broke ground for the new $72 million, 367,000-square-foot Jewish Senior Services build-ing on May 21 in Bridgeport. The cer-emony kicked off a collaborative effort to provide a new intergenerational campus and the creation of the first “household” model nursing home in the state of Con-necticut. The addition of assisted living provides a full continuum of senior care

services to the community.Approximately 150 people – including

Jewish Senior Services’ President and CEO Andrew H. Banoff and members of the organization’s Board of Directors, employees, volunteers, residents, families and the community-at-large – attended the event at the 4200 Park Ave. property to be named Jewish Senior Services® at The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Campus.

THE NEW JEWISH VOICE ■ July 20142

James Cohen, UJF CEO

school year. The gratitude felt by these students is breathtaking.

In the last edition of The New Jewish Voice, we reported on the moving and inspirational Yom Hashoah commemo-rations undertaken by UJF this year – both the seder conducted in Stamford and the state of Connecticut ceremony in Hartford. At both events, Holocaust survivors from our community shared their stories. Their willingness to access their pain in order to teach us and help us never to forget had a tremendous im-pact on me. So, too, did Ethan Schaff’s moving words while telling his mother’s story. Ethan’s dedication to continue to bear witness to the past gives us hope that the world will not be given the luxury of forgetting.

At a recent parlor meeting discussing the importance of Jewish camp, Dima

CEO Message

“A Perspective on Impact”By James Cohen

I recently marked my one-year anniversary in this position and as a result, I admit to having indulged slightly in some reflec-tion. The past year has seen a good deal of positive change at UJF, much of it centered around our multiple uses of the word “impact.” And while I have talked about the impact a strong Federation has on our community, both at home and worldwide, and how our new Better Together campaign connects donors more directly to the impact of their gift, I wanted to take this opportunity to share some of the experiences that have had an impact on me over these past months.

The Herbert and Sarah M. Gibor

Readings Partner’s Program is one of the true jewels in the UJF crown. This incredible program reaches hundreds of kids every year and gets them on the path to reading at grade level. When you talk to one of our amazing reading partners, as I have done, you cannot help but be inspired by their service and the incredible joy they get from helping these kids. I have also been impacted greatly by

stories from the kids themselves, like the ones who have been tutored by Ellen Weber, who, in addition to serving as Women’s Philanthropy president, has been a reading partner for more than a decade, or Lois Dreyer, who spends hours of her time selecting the books to be ordered for her kids at the end of the

Shimelfarb of the Jewish Agency for Israel told those assembled (as he has previously told our Board of Directors) the story of his journey from boyhood to the present day and how Federation helped him at every stage – from his ex-perience as a camper at a Jewish Agency camp where he gained an appreciation for his heritage, to the help he received when making aliyah, to a scholarship to attend Hebrew University. All of these experiences informed his decision to be-come a Jewish professional. His heartfelt words filled me with pride.

I suspect that all of these experiences and dozens of others, space prohibits me from sharing, impacted many people in our community. For me, they are shining examples of the value of Federation and serve as building blocks for doing more. How exciting.

Friends:When Kulanu was formed many years

ago, the Federation saw, with the con-currence of our local rabbis, that there was a gap in the community for teen programming and education. Thanks to the generosity of dedicated funders, most notably Joan and Benson Zinbarg, z”l, Kulanu became one of Federation’s “star” programs.

As our community changes, it is im-portant that Federation stay true to its mission of constantly examining the big picture of what our community needs and wants in order to stay relevant. Over the last couple of years, many people have been involved in looking at the question regarding Jewish Teen Engagement and Education in the community. We have spent many board meetings, committee meetings, focus groups and one-on-one conversations, as well as spent much time doing research not just in Stamford, but looking at national data regarding Jewish Supplemental Educational programs. The good news is that in our community Jewish Teen Engagement has never been higher – both in terms of the number of children involved and the number of actual opportunities available to them, including synagogue programming. However, Kulanu is no longer where most of our teens choose to go. The board has voted to not recruit new students next year, but rather to more heavily

A Letter to the Community on Kulanu’s Futuresupport the other existing community programs as well as help our institutions, synagogues and schools create new pro-gramming opportunities for our teens. We will continue to serve existing Kulanu students next year.

We recognize Kulanu’s lasting impact as a catalyst for change in our commu-nity. Federation will continue to run and expand both The Kuriansky Teen Tzedakah Corps and Speak up for Israel, a program in partnership with the JCC. Both programs were developed over the last three years and are wildly suc-cessful right now, and are not available elsewhere in the community. Danielle Alexander, director of Jewish Educa-tion and Engagement, will continue to be a resource for our teens to find the right programs for each of them indi-vidually, as well as work with our com-munity Jewish professionals to create several communitywide events that are geared specifically for our entire teen population. In addition, Federation will maintain its commitment to organizing the March of the Living trip every other year for 11th-12th-graders as part of the New England region. This strong group of community oriented teen programs inspires us as a Federation to continue to create programming on all levels that fosters continual engagement.

At the presentation several weeks ago made by our teens who just returned

from the March of the Living, Ricky Snow Arbron, vice president of Jewish Education and Engagement, said, “Our teens taught us that there are many ways besides formal Jewish learning after school, such as the original Kulanu model. Our teens are still here, still

learning, just in a different way from our parents. They are excited and look forward to viewing the world through a Jewish lens that encompasses our history and looks to the future.”

Shoshana Dweck, PresidentJames A. Cohen, Chief Executive Officer

counterparts, and to provide support for the Tzofim movement in Israel.

For information, contact Nancy Schiff-man at 203-487-0941 or nschiffman@

Tzofim Continued from page 1stamfordjcc.org.

The Jewish Community Center is a recipient agency of United Jewish Federation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien.

The Tzofim Friendship Caravan will present a free community concert at the Stamford Jewish Community Center on Tuesday, July 1.

“To find out that so many children, the same age as my own, are chronically hungry and don’t have regular access to food on the weekend is unacceptable. We hope that people will give generously and participate in this worthwhile project,” said Jill Kaplan, Women’s Philanthropy board member.

Robin Madan, chair of the project and Women’s Philanthropy board member, noted, “By just giving a few hours a week, you can make such a difference in a child’s life and improve it dramatically!”

Here’s how you can help:1. Give generously – 100 percent of

Square Continued from page 1

the monetary donations will go directly to procuring food for the children.

2. Volunteer your time – Just a few hours a month will get the job done. Work that needs to be done will include placing food orders, organizing and taking stock of the food pantry, packing food for distribution, weekly delivery of food bags to schools and scheduling volunteers.

To get involved and make a difference in the lives of young children in need, contact UJF Vice President Rebekah Raz at [email protected] or 203-321-1373, ext. 102.

Elanit Kayne Linder is UJF director of marketing.

3 julY 2014 ■ THE NEW JEWISH VOICE

Visit www.ujf.org, facebook.com/stamfordFederation, or tweet UJF at ujfstamfordÊ

CommUNity NewS

Deadlines for articles

The deadlines for the next three issues of The New Jewish Voice are:Monday, July 28 .................................. SeptemberMonday, August 25 ................................ OctoberWednesday, September 17, early .........November

Send New Jewish Voice article submissions to Sandy Golove at [email protected] marked “Stamford Voice” in the subject line. Expect an acknowledgement; please re-send if you do not receive one.

already live here,” said Michael Feldstein, who founded the CAMOS effort several years ago. “We try to encourage them to spend an entire Shabbat weekend here, as that’s the best way to get a feel for our community. But they come one at a time. So we thought that having one weekend where many pro-spective residents could visit at the same time, and

By Lael ShapiroThe Young Leadership Division of UJF Greater Stam-

ford, New Canaan and Darien has teamed up with Jewish Twenties and Thirties, a division of Jewish Family Service, to help raise money for the 3 Square program at the first adult dodgeball tournament, to be held at the Jewish Com-munity Center on Wednesday, July 16, from 7 pm-dark. A program of the Women’s Division of UJF, in partner-ship with JFS, 3 Square will provide chronically hungry elementary school-age children with a bag of food every Friday during the school year to sustain them through the weekend. Outside the care of school, some children often do not have access to three square meals.

There are a number of ways to help support 3 Square, including donating funds and volunteering to help pack and deliver food, and helping to make the first dodgeball tournament a success. Included in the dodgeball tournament will be a kosher barbecue starting at 6:30 pm, pairing adult refreshments with

CAMOS to Host Fall Shabbaton Attracting Prospective Families to Stamford

experience all of what our community has to offer, might be a good idea.”

In the past, CAMOS has hosted a Summer Sunday in Stamford event for families looking to get a feel for the community, but many of the younger couples involved in the CAMOS effort felt that a Shabbaton might be a better way to draw people to visit.

“I’m very pleased that several young families have be-gun to take leadership roles in CAMOS,” said Feldstein. “Kate Frommer Cik and Miriam Sperber have agreed to spearhead the Shabbaton, and will be soliciting the help of other young couples in the community to make sure that the Shabbaton is a success.”

Last year, CAMOS organized an exhibit at the Or-thodox Union’s Emerging Communities Fair in New York City, and one family just moved to Stamford after visiting the Stamford booth.

Feldstein also mentioned that the news about the possibility of the Jewish High School of Connecticut moving to Stamford and having a local Jewish high school in the community will help draw more new families to the Stamford community. “In the surveys that we have done, the availability and the quality of day school education always rank as the #1 reason why people are attracted to a place to live and raise their children,” said Feldstein.

Feldstein also pointed to the new mikvah and the presence of additional kosher eateries as very positive developments in the Jewish community, which help make Stamford a more attractive place for an observant family to live.

Anyone who knows of an observant family who might be interested in moving to Stamford and attending the Shabbaton, or who might benefit from the services that CAMOS provides, should have them contact Feldstein at [email protected].

CAMOS (Committee to Advance Modern Ortho-doxy in Stamford) is planning to organize its first-ever Shabbaton this coming fall for those families who are considering a move to the Stamford community.

“We do receive leads of interested families regu-larly, mainly from people who find our website or who are recommended to us from individuals who

Help Kids Dodge Hungerthe bragging rights of tournament champions. The tournament will start promptly at 7:30 pm.

“Don’t let your fear of getting hit by the ball hold you back,” said Elanit Kayne Linder, UJF director of marketing. “Times and equipment have changed. We will be using no-sting balls, thus ensuring the only thing that could be hurt is your ego.”

The cost for the tournament is $18 per person; spon-sorships are available for $36, which includes receiving a free return to the game once knocked out. All food, drink and activities are being donated and 100 percent of all funds collected will go directly toward procuring and delivering food for the 3 Square program.

To register to play, visit http://ujf.org/events. “Don’t be square, support 3 Square and help make a difference in the lives of future generations,” said Linder.

Contact Linder for more information at [email protected].

For more information on 3 Square, see the article on page 1.

Jewish Historical Society Celebrates 30th AnniversaryBy Carol Lilienthal and Elissa Kaplan

The Jewish Historical Society of Fairfield County will mark its 30th anniversary at a gala celebration at Temple Sinai in Stamford on Sunday, September 14, at 4 pm. The event is open to all communities in Fairfield County.

The JHS, which was founded in 1983 as the Stam-ford Jewish Historical Society, grew to include the Greater Stamford area and beyond, and became the Jewish Historical Society of Lower Fairfield County. In 2012, as part of a 2020 vision and strategy, the name was changed to the Jewish Historical Society of Fairfield County.

In April of this year, the Bridgeport Jewish Histori-cal Society closed its doors. Fortunately, the Jewish Historical Society of Fairfield County had worked with the BJHS and fully extends its Jewish history and heritage work to the areas formerly supported by the BJHS. The BJHS archives have been officially moved to, and are available at, the JHSFC archives, and the Fairfield County organization’s Board of Directors has added former BJHS leadership. JHSFC is now one of only three Jewish historical societies in Connecticut and is one of the largest secular Jewish organizations in Fairfield County. It works to preserve, promote and perpetuate past and evolving Jewish history and heritage for current and future generations. View

its website at www.jhsfc-ct.org, which also has JHSFC contact information. The JHS Archives, the only dedi-cated Jewish archives in Fairfield County, maintains the local communities’ collective memory, dating back to the late 1600s, the first recorded Jewish presence in this area. The archives are open to the public on Monday afternoons from 2-4 pm and by appointment. The Harry Rosenbaum JHS Judaica Library at the Jew-ish Community Center in Stamford is a free lending library and offers the public more than 3,000 books and a selection of DVDs. There is now a collection of children’s books in the library.

Also located in the JHS Archives are the Oral History records of longtime residents of Fairfield County. The

See “Anniversary” on page 6

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By Rebekah KanefskyThis year, Jewish Family Service was

able to provide assistance for more than 50 children from Stamford, New Canaan, Darien, Westport, Weston, Wilton and Norwalk to attend Jewish summer day and overnight camps. This was an in-crease from last year.

The Ben and Joan Zinbarg Camp Scholarship Fund, generously estab-lished by them for this purpose, con-tinues to provide the funding for the program. United Jewish Federation of Stamford, New Canaan and Darien, and the Louis J. Kuriansky Foundation also support this program, increasing the number of scholarships JFS is able to award. Other charitable individuals, who believe that camps offer a unique Jewish experience, have also contributed to the camp scholarship program.

The demand for funds to send all the Jewish children who apply is still con-

The project, which is scheduled for completion in April 2016, comprises demolition of the existing Jewish Com-munity Center structure and the con-struction of a new intergenerational senior living campus in its place. The new campus will contain 23 “households” (a total of 326 beds) incorporating private bedrooms and bathrooms, a shared kitchen, and living and dining areas. Eighteen “households” of 14 private bed-rooms and baths with a shared kitchen, living and dining areas will be dedicated to skilled nursing, comprising a total of 252 beds. In addition, two “households” of 14 private bedrooms and baths will be for short-term rehabilitation.

There will also be three assisted living households: 18 one-bedroom units for individuals or couples and two memory care “households,” each with 14 one-bed-room memory care units, for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Jewish Senior Services will also of-fer services to the community such as home care, hospice, adult day programs, child care, geriatric assess-ment and outpatient therapy. Also, the organization’s Institute on Aging,

Center for Elder Abuse Prevention, and Senior Choice at Home® programs will continue to provide support for families in the community.

The building will also feature a 25-yard swimming pool, 5,000 sq. ft. fitness gym, studios, lockers, saunas and mas-sage rooms available to the residents, families, employees, volunteers and the community. A café, salon, library and community spaces will also be included in the campus. The infant through pre-school full-time child care program on campus will add to the intergenerational setting and activities.

KBE Building Corp. is managing the construction as construction manager at risk. In keeping with its tradition of jobsite safety, KBE has partnered with OSHA to help facilitate voluntary health and safety improvements during the project. Perkins Eastman is the project’s architect, with CPC Consulting as the owner’s representative.

Applications for the new campus are now being accepted. Contact Liz Lockwood at Jewish Senior Services at 203-396-1024 or [email protected]. There is no cost or obligation.

Local officials and Jewish Senior Services staff broke ground for the new $72 million, 367,000-square-foot JSS building on May 21 in Bridgeport.

JCC’s Run/Walk and Family Fun DayMore than 400 people of all ages are expected to run, walk and stroll their way

through the seventh annual Give a Child a Jumpstart Run/Walk and Family Fun Day, sponsored by The Herbert and Sarah M. Gibor Charitable Foundation and presented by The Center Women of the Stamford Jewish Community Center. New for this year, the event will also have a certified 10K course, in addition to the certified 5K.

The event, which has become a Labor Day tradition in Stamford, will be held on Monday, September 1. Following the race, families can enjoy other activities such as field races and arts and crafts booths.

The event raises funds for JumpStart, the JCC’s preschool program for 2- and 3-year-olds with special needs. Children who are enrolled in the JumpStart program practice skills they have obtained at critical developmental stages, along with devel-oping language and motor skills, in a safe and accepting classroom environment. JumpStart is the only program of its kind serving families in the greater Fairfield County area.

To learn about sponsorship opportunities, contact Nancy Schiffman at 203-487-0941 or [email protected].

The Jewish Community Center is a beneficiary agency of United Jewish Federation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien.

Summer Fun for Jewish ChildrenJFS Camp Scholarship

sidered very strong and Jewish Family Service would like to fulfill the dreams of all the children.

Camp scholarships can impact the lives of Jewish families in our com-munity. A parent said, “Receiving the scholarship from JFS has been an incredible gift that we are so grateful for. The stress we had about how to send her to camp has been greatly eliminated. That even allows us to buy our daughter a few new clothes for camp. She feels proud that she got a scholarship and has been telling her friends. She feels good that her own community has helped her to continue to her Judaic studies through camp. Since she was feeling isolated as the only Jewish girl in school, she now sees that the support of the Jewish commu-nity is there to help her continue to grow. She needed this scholarship to continue to believe in ‘being Jewish.’

Campus Continued from page 1

We are beyond grateful for the help and feel so much less stress, it’s inde-scribable. We are forever grateful!”

As another parent from the Westport area stated, “As a mother, it is natural to want the best for your child and so hard to say ‘no’ to programs and camps they want to attend. Thanks to JFS, I did not have to say ‘no’ and my son was able to participate in a sports camp and be with his friends. As a single parent with no family or financial support, other than myself, I often have to deny my child things that other kids are able to do be-

cause we don’t have enough money. This gift from JFS made my child’s life a bit brighter and enabled him to participate in a special program doing something he loves.”

For more information on the JFS Camp Scholarship program, contact Maria McNulty at [email protected] or call 203-921-4161. To contribute to the fund to help children attend Jewish summer camps, contact Matt Greenberg at [email protected].

Rebekah Kanefsky is a case manager at Jewish Family Service.

Please contact Marlyn Agatstein, Director of Reading Partners at [email protected] or203-321-1373 x115

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Anita Diamant, author of the international best-sell-ing novel “The Red Tent,” was the guest speaker at the Jewish High School of Connecticut’s annual gala on May 18 at the Rolling Hills Country Club in Wilton. Diamant’s novel, “The Red Tent,” broke ground in creating a first person narrative for a minor biblical character, Dinah, and used Dinah’s voice to imagine the traditions and challenges of ancient Jewish womanhood. ]

In its fourth year, Connecticut’s only accredited Jewish high school is preparing to graduate its pioneer class on June 19. The gala honored Jo-Ann Price and celebrated the legacy and pioneer spirit of her parents, Leo and Libby Nevas.

Rabbi Leah Cohen, executive director and senior Jewish chaplain, Joseph Slifka Center for Jewish Life at Yale, spoke on behalf of the legacy of the Nevas, who were called proud first supporters of JHSC and who cared deeply about the future of the Jewish people. Leo was recognized for his pioneering role in breaking the housing discrimination against Jews in Westport, and in championing rights and opportunities for all people. “Leo was a personal mentor to me. We would sit for hours discussing everything from Israel and the Middle East, to early Jewish history in Lower Fairfield County, from ethics, to politics, to current events. [He] was brilliant and passionately interested in all the things I cared about: Judaism, children, education and making a difference in the world,” said Rabbi Cohen.

In a recent unpublished autobiography, Leo wrote: “My parents were wonderful, self-sacrificing, charitable, and devoted people to their heritage and their obliga-tion to their fellow men….If we think of the generosity

L-r: JHSC gala’s guest speaker Anita Diamant; honoree Jo-Ann Price; and Board of Trustee Chair Randie Weseley.

JHSC Gala with Anita Diamantof our forbears to family and society, we have a long way to go to emulate them and equal their generosity.”

Sydney Perry, JCC chief executive officer, introduced honoree Price. “The German author Goethe said in his masterpiece ‘Faust,’ ‘What you have received as an inheritance from your parents, you must possess again in order to make your own,’ and Jo-Ann has done just that.”

“As JHSC board vice president, Price’s early support and belief in its pluralistic mission has made a direct impact on the vitality of the school,” said Randie Weseley, Board chair and Gala co-chair. “Her background as a professional Jewish educator, which includes the estab-lishment and guidance of two supplemental religious schools and communitywide Jewish education programs, has made her a much sought after consultant. Jo-Ann resides in Chester with her husband, Michael Price.”

Senator Christopher Dodd gave tribute to Price, saying that she embodies the Nevas family commitment to the future of the Jewish people and to education. He lauded

The Connecticut Council of Family Service Agencies Inc. recently presented its 2014 Family Champion awards. JFS staff member, Erika Garcia, marketing and devel-opment assistant, and Carl Rosen, vice president and member of the JFS Executive Committee were this year’s recipients. A personalized glass citation was presented as part of the program. The CCFSA is a statewide network of independent, non-profit family service agencies, deliv-ering services to more than 150,000 families from more than 90 offices located throughout the state.

The Family Champion Award is given to volunteers, staff and board members who go above and beyond the call of duty to embrace the agency mission and positively impact the lives of families. Each Family Champion consistently demonstrates a commitment to empower-ing families and building strong communities.

There to represent and congratulate the honorees at the Trumbull Marriott was Matt Greenberg, CEO of Jewish Family Service, who said, “We are so very proud to recognize Erika and Carl’s hard work and vision for excellence and their years of devotion on behalf of the agency.”

Garcia joined JFS part-time while still attending high

Two JFS Leaders Presented Awards

Jewish Family Service CCFSA 2014 Family Champion Award winners, Erika Garcia, JFS marketing and development assistant, and Carl Rosen, JFS vice president.

See “Leaders” on page 6

her for her support for the state of Israel and for her pas-sion as an educator in creating and sustaining a vibrant, educated and spiritually centered Jewish community.

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DATE: May 2014

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Let Your Good Deeds Exceed Your Studies

Carmel Academy

270 Lake Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830 • (203) 863-9663 • www.carmelacademy.com

A private K-8 school for children of all Jewish affi liations

Our Graduates Were Accepted to the Following High Schools:Abraham Joshua Heschel High SchoolThe Community SchoolThe Frisch SchoolGreens Farms AcademyMamaroneck High SchoolNew Rochelle High SchoolPhillips Academy Andover SAR High SchoolSolomon Schechter School of Westchester Soundview PreparatoryWestchester Hebrew High School

The Trustees, Faculty and Families at Carmel Academy Congratulate Our Class of 2014 and Wish Them B’hatzlacha, Much Success in High School!

We Also Wish a Mazal Tov to Carmel Academy’s Alumni Class of 2010 on its Graduation from High School! Our Alumni will be pursuing their education at: Boston UniversityBrandeis University (2)Princeton UniversityRensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rider University Sherut Leumim, Israeli National Service Skidmore College (2) Washington CollegeYoung Judaea Year CourseYeshivat Maale Gilboa

THE NEW JEWISH VOICE ■ July 20146 bits and pieces

CANDLe LIGHTING TIMeS

UJF Tribute Cards are a wonderful way to connect with

your family and friends and mark any occasion while supporting the

extraordinary work of UJF. To send a tribute,go to www.ujf.org.

New Around Town

June 20 ............... 8:11 pmJune 27 ............... 8:12 pmJuly 4 .................. 8:11 pmJuly 11 ................ 8:09 pmJuly 18 ................ 8:05 pmJuly 25 ................ 7:59 pmAugust 1 ............. 7:52 pmAugust 8 ............. 7:44 pmAugust 15 ........... 7:34 pmAugust 22 ........... 7:24 pmAugust 29 ........... 7:13 pm

By Sandy GoloveTo submit informa-

tion to Bits and Pieces, call 321-1373, ext. 107, or e-mail me at [email protected] TOV TO GROWING FAMILIES:

Alexandra and Al-exander Grange on the birth of a daugh-ter; grandparents are Liz Rosenbaum and Maury Rosenbaum; great-grandfather is Ira Bernstein.

Nechama and Dovid Hordiner on the birth of a son; grandparents are Linda and Charles Hordiner and Shaine Mankovsky.

Arielle Freedberg Prager and Tamar Prager on the birth of a son; grandparents are Avram and Rhoda Freedberg.

Marlene and Mandeep Sandhu on the birth of a son; grandparents are Lorraine and David Kweskin; great-grandmother is Minerva Kweskin.

Jyll and Benjamin Shapiro on the birth of a son; grandparents are Naomi Hersh and Bernie Shapiro.

Sarah and Mark Turshen on the birth of a son, Nathaniel James Turshen; grand-parents are Sharon and Jeff Turshen.

Erica and Marc Weber on the birth of a son; grandparents are Linda Gornitsky and Harvey Weber.MAZEL TOV TO:

Ron Avidan and Sharon Wohlberg, re-cipients of the Hineni Award who “answer the call” of service to the Jewish people and Congregation Agudath Sholom.

Rabbi Tzvi Bernstein, recipient of the George and Ziporah Freedberg Excel-lence of Spirit Award for devotion to Judaism, the Jewish people, Israel and Congregation Agudath Sholom.

Rebecca Breslow and Tim Clark on their marriage; parents are Amy and Richard Breslow and Susan and Phillip Clark.

Lynn Villency Cohen and Stephen Co-hen for being honored by the Stamford Museum and Nature Center for excep-tional contributions to the organization and the community.

Rachel Hanna Cooper, daughter of Lenore and Michael Cooper, is engaged to Joshua Morgan Troy, son of Allan and Katherine Troy.

Ellen and Chuck Donen for being honored by the Norwalk Chapter of Hadassah.

Eli Freedberg on being published in the Westchester and Fairfield Business Journal.

Ryan Harvey and Krista Kreicas on their engagement; parents are Lee and Evelyn Blum Harvey and Lenny and Kathy Kreicas.

Johnna Freud, JFSJohnna Freud recently joined Jewish Family Service of

Stamford, New Canaan and Darien and Westport, Weston, Wilton and Norwalk as the Associate director of development and community engagement. Freud, a Stamford resident since 1995, will be spearheading fund-raising and donor relations responsibilities for the agency. Her experience in develop-ment includes serving as coordinator of corporate giving at The New York Public Library in New York City and director of development at a religious day school in Rye, NY.

She has most recently worked as a physician permanent placement search consultant, a marketing research consultant in her own firm and with Saul Cohen Associates Inc. Originally from Bergen County, NJ, Freud volunteers her spare time with Jewish organizations and has been a member of the board at JFS, as well as an active participant on the JFS Home Companion Committee. Cur-rently, she is the VP of programming for the Greenburgh Hebrew Center Sisterhood in Dobbs Ferry, NY. Matt Greenberg, CEO of Jewish Family Service, welcomed her, saying,”We are so excited to have Johnna come on board and bring her experience and enthusiasm to her new position.”

Johnna Freud

Sally Klapper, daughter of Elissa and Phillip Klapper, was selected as one of 27 fellows for the Bronfman Youth Fel-lowship for 2014.

Susan Kolbrenner, Hannah Kriftcher and Marvin Lawrence on being honored as JCC Volunteers of the Year.

Meryl Meiteles for winning the 2014 HR Specialist Award of Southern Connecticut.

Sheila Romanowitz on being honored by UJA Greenwich Women’s Philanthro-py in appreciation for her service.

Walter (Mr. S) Shuchatowitz, Jackie Herman, Felicia Carriero and Frank Conson on being honored at the Bi-Cultural Day School Celebration Dinner.

Elliot Sloyer on the publication of his new children’s book, “The Safety Pin.”MAZEL TOV TO B’NAI MITZVAH:

Eric Kruglak, son of Amy and Carl Kruglak; grandparents are Mimi and Saul Cohen.

Rina Marlowe, daughter of Dinah Miller Marlowe and Seth Marlowe.

Isaac Schildkraut, son of Ivy and Marvin Schildkraut. CONDOLENCES TO:

Janet Bein on the loss of her father, David Leinwand.

Gladys Martin Cohen on the loss of her husband; and Barbara Aronica-Buck and Robert Cohen on the loss of their father, Mort Cohen.

Harold Fishkow on the loss of his wife; Amy Fishkow Benjamin and Michael Fishkow on the loss of their mother; and Daniel Resnick on the loss of his sister, Jeanette Fishkow.

Jay Freilich on the loss of his mother, Ruth Freilich.

William Gilbert on the loss of his mother, Barbara Gilbert.

Vivian Rich Goldberg, Sheryl Rich-Kern and David Rich on the loss of their father, Gerald (Jerry) Rich.

Marge and Sidney Goldman on the loss of their son, Scott Dennison.

Svetlana Gutkovich on the loss of her husband; and Rita J. Gutkovich and Simon Gutkovich on the loss of their father, Joseph B. Gutkovich.

Mindy Hausman on the loss of her mother, Jean Anis.

Ray Katz on the loss of her husband; and Amanda, Joanne and Adrian Katz on the loss of their father, Robert Katz.

Jeffrey Paseltiner on the loss of his brother, Stephen Paseltiner.

Susan Reilly, Mimi Rand, Jesse Rand, Shane Rand, Ally Rand and Mathew Rand on the loss of David Rand.

Lillian Shapiro on the loss of her father, Chilo Spiro.

Deborah Siegel Baker, Kathy Siegel Fine and Sarah Siegel on the loss of their mother, Edythe Prens Siegel.

Ben-Zion Soifer on the loss of his brother, Mendel Soifer.

Herbert Soroca on the loss of his mother, Pearl Soroca.

school in Stamford more than 11 years ago and became a full-time staff mem-ber immediately upon graduation. Her myriad responsibilities include manag-ing client records and assisting clients when necessary, creating and designing almost all electronic communications, and maintenance of multiple database systems.”Without Erika’s capabilities, JFS would not be able to function,” added Greenberg.

Rosen, appointed to the board four years ago, currently serves as a vice presi-dent and member of the JFS Executive Committee. In his position as the chair of JFS’ Home Companion Committee, he has introduced initiatives and spearhead-ed changes. Rosen came to JFS with many years of volunteer experience, following a 30-year career at Bulova Corporation and its former parent, Loews Corporation. “Carl’s insight and clear vision for JFS is a beacon for the agency,” noted Greenberg,

Leaders Continued from page 3

“and we are delighted to honor him for his commitment and service.”

Jewish Family Service (www.ctjfs.org) is a comprehensive agency offering a range of services and programs designed to address contemporary problems and issues. The JFS client base includes in-dividuals, couples, families and groups, ranging from young children to the elderly. Programs include the following services: home companion, counseling, employment and training, employee assistance, case management and emer-gency assistance, family-life education, and information and referral. JFS of-fices are located at 733 Summer St., Sixth Floor, Stamford, and 431 Post Rd. East, Suite 11, in Westport. For further information, call 921-4161 (Stamford) or 454-4992 (Westport).

Jewish Family Service is a recipient agency of United Jewish Federation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien.

JHS Oral History Committee, chaired by Dr. Elissa Kaplan, is always looking for people to interview to learn about the social, political, economic and Jewish history of Fairfield County. A bonus for participants is a free DVD of their life stories for their families. Those interested in sharing their live stories should contact JHS at [email protected].

The JHS Oral History Committee has taken on an additional commitment this year, collecting personal accounts of vet-erans of any war (World War I through the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts) to become part of The Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center. JHS keeps one copy of each story in the JHS Archives, sends one copy to The Library of Congress, and gives one copy to each participant. Anyone interested in participating in The Veteran’s History

Project shoud contact JHS at [email protected].

Monthly programs, held all over Fair-field County, are another feature of the Jewish Historical Society. All JHS pro-grams are free and open to the public.

JHS annually sponsors a history award for high school students and this year, Aaron Samuels, a 10th-grader at Staples High School in Westport, will be honored as the dual recipient of the JHS Fairfield County National History Day Prize and JHS Connecticut State National History Day Prize. His documentary, which in-corporated Jewish heritage/or a Jewish personality, is titled “Unorthodox Migra-tion: Waterbury’s Jewish History.”

The Jewish Historical Society of Fairfield County is a beneficiary agency of United Jewish Federation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien.

Among the archives from the Bridgeport Jewish Historical Society, now part of the Jewish Historical Society of Fairfield County archives and open to the public, was a photo of the “An Evening with Elie Wiesel” April 27, 1975, event hosted by the Bridgeport JCC Cultural Affairs Committee along with the United Jewish Council, the Greater Bridgeport Board of Rabbis, the Greater Bridgeport Cantor’s Council, the Congregations of Greater Bridgeport and Hillel Academy.

Anniversary Continued from page 3

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By Sharon FranklinOn May 27, local community members gathered to

hear a discussion about the importance of Jewish camp-ing and how it helps secure the community’s future. The evening was hosted by Saul and Mimi Cohen.

After light refreshments of bug juice and s’mores, Saul Cohen started out the evening’s program by read-ing letters from kids who have benefitted from agencies such as Jewish Family Services and the important role Federations can play. Cohen, whose focus has been on helping children get to Jewish camp, relayed fond memories of his own camp experiences, including meeting his wife. He also mentioned that kids who go to Jewish camp are more likely to go to synagogue and marry someone Jewish as adults.

Dima Shimelfarb, of the Jewish Agency for Israel, was the evening’s first guest speaker. Shimelfarb, who grew up in the former Soviet Union, described his experience of being the only Jewish kid in his school and the bullying he received as a result. In 1991, his parents sent him to the Jewish Agency for an Israel summer camp. He said this decision changed his life. There he was surrounded by fel-low Jews, and he had the chance to learn about his religion and culture. He become proud of his Jewish heritage.

Shimelfarb noted that the camp shaped his life and his identity. He had the opportunity to meet his wife there and they now have two children. He discussed his current work, helping fund-raise for scholarships that allow other children to go to camp. He mentioned that currently there are 4,000 Russian children on the waiting list for camp, and his wish to make people aware of the need to raise funds to help these kids. Shimelfarb thanked the “Federation for

UJF Parlor Meeting Addresses Summer Camp Significance

Nancy Mimoun and Mort Lowenthal smiled while reminiscing about camp experiences.

Dima Shimelfarb of the Jewish Agency for Israel

L-r: Saul Cohen, event co-host, and Matt Greenberg, CEO of Jewish Family Service, chatted about the importance of camp.

Paul Schatz, vice president of Camp Laurelwood

all it has done to make camp possible for him and all of the other children.”

Paul Schatz, vice president of Camp Laurel Wood, Connecticut’s only Jewish sleep-away camp, spoke next. Schatz spoke about growing up with very little Judaism in his home. He discussed how everything he learned about being a Jew came from going to Jewish camp. He fondly remembers Friday night dinners, learning prayers and going to synagogue at camp.

Based on his positive experiences, he now fund-raises for camp scholarships. In the past 15 years, camps have been hard hit due to the economy, making it even harder for parents to send their kids to camp.

Schatz mentioned that because of fund-raising campaigns from agencies such as JFS and UJF, includ-ing those in Stamford, more and more children are getting the scholarships needed to attend camp. He hopes these children “will have the opportunity to develop a lifelong love and affiliation with Judaism like he did.”

In closing remarks, UJF CEO Jim Cohen expressed “tremendous pride” in the critical role that UJF plays in ensuring that kids “in our own backyard and around the world, have the life altering experience provided by Jewish camp.” He noted that thanks to the 2014 Better Together Campaign, donors who are particularly moved by any of the stories they heard could specify that their dollars be spent locally or internationally, which would benefit kids from those areas. He also noted that “UJF is looking for additional ways to address the community’s need for additional camp scholarships.”

For more information on how to help kids get to camp, contact the UJF office at 203-321-1373, or visit the website at [email protected].

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The 2014 Women’s Philanthropy Spring Dinner, with keynote speaker Dr. Ruth Westheimer, was called a great success. More than 200 attendees joined together for an evening of cama-raderie, good food, inspiring speeches and fun. Westheimer, sponsored by the Louis J. Kuriansky Foundation, spoke at both the pre-dinner event for Lions and Pomegranates, and at the dinner event. Attendees said she

Women’s Philanthropy Spring Dinner Featuring Dr. Ruth

L-r: Jill Chase, Laura Kaplan Katz, Nanci Tarshis Kirshner, Hope Weisel, Janette Stern, Joyce Schwartz and Hope Levensohn. L-r: Ellen Weber, James Cohen, Meryl Japha, Nancy Mimoun and Ricky Arbron.

Sissy Stein and her daughter, Elissa Stein, with Dr. Ruth Westheimer (center)

L-r: Jill Kaplan and Janet Welkovich, chairs of the 2014 Women’s Philanthropy Spring Dinner

Women enjoyed the evening.

Women’s Philanthropy President Ellen Weber with Dr. Ruth Westheimer

was entertaining as she spoke about the Off-Broadway play that detailed her life story. The dinner speech, titled “Heavenly Sex: Sex in the Jewish Tradition,” gave her an opportunity to provide a lively tour of sexuality with Jewish religion and culture.

Attendees enjoyed the live auction part of the evening as well. The highest bidder won lunch for four with Wes-theimer at a New York City restaurant.


As part of the New England region, three teens from the Greater Stamford community and Danielle Alex-ander (director of Jewish education and engagement) participated in this year’s March of the Living. It is an educational program, which brings students from all over the world to Poland, in order to study the history of the Holocaust and to examine the roots of prejudice, intolerance and hate. On Holocaust Remembrance Day, everyone marches from Auschwitz to Birkenau. The program includes visits to a number of Polish cit-ies, towns and villages that were once vibrant centers of

Reflections from March of the Living ParticipantsJewish life and learning. They visit the concentration camps of Auschwitz-Birkenau, Majdanek and Treblinka where much of European Jewry was annihilated.

Then the March flies from Poland to Israel to com-memorate Yom Hazikaron (Israel’s Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers) and celebrate Yom Ha’aztmaut (Israel’s Independence Day). All of the March of the Living delegations from around the world reunite in Jerusalem for a second march followed by an interna-tional celebration event that evening. Having learned about the darkness of the Holocaust, the participants said that these life-affirming experiences in Israel are especially moving and meaningful.

All three participants from Stamford experienced something unique and powerful, so they have each shared their reflections here.

Rachel SteinmetzThe March of the Living changed the way I feel about

being Jewish. I did not expect the March to be such a moving, educational and life-changing experience. I believed I understood what had happened during the Holocaust after learning about it in school and hearing stories of my grandfather’s experience being held pris-oner in Mauthausen, a German concentration camp. I came to find that I could not fully understand what it was like for the Jews to be imprisoned in these places of mass destruction until I saw it for myself.

While in Poland, we visited numerous concentration and death camps. Every concentration and death camp affected everyone differently. Some concentration and death camps were turned into memorials and others were fully intact. The hardest concentration camp for me to fully comprehend was Majdanek. Unlike other camps, Majdanek was located in the center of a large city and everything was largely and eerily still intact because the Nazis were not prepared for liberation and fled. The camp felt frozen in time. Just beyond the empty fields surrounded by barbed wire was the city with modern tall skyscrapers. Since Majdanek is fully intact, we had the chance to see the gas chambers,

crematoriums and barracks.Many of its barracks have been converted into

exhibits. One barrack displayed clothing and items taken from the prisoners, another light bulbs caged in barbed wire and others displayed facts about the camp. We walked through the first gas chamber where we could see the green stains on the walls and ceilings from the Zyklon B.

The hardest event that happened in Majdanek dur-ing the Holocaust for me to understand was “Harvest Fest.” This massacre at Majdanek on November 3, 1943, was the killing of 18,000 Jews. This event was the largest killing in the number of victims in a single day during the Holocaust. There were 11,000 of us from around the world who participated in the March, to think that more than that many people died on that day is unimaginable.

While visiting the various concentration camps was very somber, we never left without being reminded that we are here and we are strong. The March of the Living has taught me to never forget the history of the Jewish people during the Holocaust, never forget the experience I had, and to continue the future of the Jewish people. This experience has helped me appreci-ate each day to the fullest. I am so thankful I had the opportunity to participate on this incredible trip.

Rachel Steinmetz is an 11th-grader at Stamford High School.

Keren RubinPoland was a very eerie place to be in, especially

knowing that my family had perished there. We would walk around each of the different concentration camps, and as we walked, I just kept imagining people getting beaten or being worked to death. Each time we left a concentration camp, we all came out different. We had more information on what actually happened and what the people were like that died.

Belzec, a death camp, was the hardest camp for me to walk around. It was created with the single purpose of being an extermination camp. It now serves as a me-morial to all those who had died. They don’t know the names of those who were killed there, so there is a wall of first names and family names from Jewish families in the area who disappeared and the cities that the people came from around the perimeter of the memorial. I

L-r: Rachel Steinmetz, Keren Rubin and Jenna Plotzky in front of the Kotel (Western Wall).

The New England region began the march from Auschwitz to Birkenau.

Marching on Yom Ha’atzmaut from Safra Square to the Kotel (Western Wall).

See “Relfections” on page 11



just kept picturing families, neighbors and friends be-ing ripped away from one another as their houses were being ransacked. There are rocks in the middle of the memorial symbolizing thousands of graves for all the lives lost there. There is an unfinished poem at the bottom of the memorial that really touched me. I imagined a father writing to his daughter and not having the opportunity to tell her what he needed to before his death.

After each camp that we went to, we would sing differ-ent songs to show our pride in how far we have come and to show that the Nazis did not defeat us, and to me, this was very comforting after such an emotional journey. This made us all become a close group and we all had each other’s back whenever someone needed a shoulder to cry on. Knowing this, I was very excited and anxious to go to Israel for the very first time.

The biggest highlight and the most memorable part was when our plane first landed in Israel. I looked to the right of me, outside the window, and saw all of the lights from the city beaming through the window. We got onto the bus and after such an exhausting plane ride, I fell asleep right away. When I woke up, I looked to the left and saw the city of Jerusalem. I couldn’t stop myself from

smiling and just broke out into such a happy laugh. I will never forget my first site of the holy city, with flags everywhere to celebrate Independence Day. It was breathtaking and had left me speechless. I knew I had finally made it home. I was extremely pumped for what was to come that day in Jerusalem and could not contain my excitement. I was jumping up and down wherever we went and high fiving people every chance I got. It is safe to say, the most memorable and excit-ing part about the whole trip was my first glance at my home.

Keren Rubin is a 12th-grader at Stamford High School.

Jenna PlotzkyI never thought I would be trapped

in a gas chamber at Auschwitz. To feel so many bodies pushed in like sardines into this tiny room, and yet more still piling in, not knowing that they were pushing their way in when in fact there was nowhere else to go. And then some-one started to sing “Eili Eili” and then Mourners’ Kaddish, and all together, as if the people before us that died in this very room were singing with us, we sang loud and proud to God. That’s where the similarities stopped.

I was able to exit the room on my own free will; in fact, I was able to walk

The New England region with Holocaust survivor Siggy Listwa, in front of the barrack he was housed in while in Auschwitz.

Keren Rubin planted on a family farm in Afula, Israel.

Reflections Continued from page 10

out of Auschwitz as I pleased and into the Promised Land flowing with milk and honey. Yet hundreds of thousands before me could not; they died in that room. This is the reason that I am a proud Jew. I feel obligated to my people to learn, commemorate and remember the history of my people, then and now.

Going on the March of the Living earlier this month was not an option, it was a responsibility. I went because I had to. I had to go to Poland without the comfort of my family or friends. I had to walk into Auschwitz and feel the pain and suffering. I had to see the raw anguish without any candy-coating. There is no history book or video that can overpower you with all of your emotions at once like Auschwitz does. From anger, to sadness, to pride, it is all there.

After a week of sorrow, going to Israel was a gift. How proud I am to pass on Judaism and be welcomed into the land of the Jewish people.

The March of the Living is a life-changing trip that takes you to Poland and Israel where you stand witness to Jewish history, the struggle with Jewish identity today, and get a chance to think about the Jewish future. In Poland, you see the atrocities and hear the stories of life before the Holocaust. One of the standout gut-wrenching moments of this trip was being in Auschwitz with our survivor, Siggy Listwa. Siggy proved to us and to the Nazis that the Jewish people will always prevail and so will the Jewish faith. Siggy defied the Nazis and made it through five years of labor camps, ghettos, Auschwitz and Birkenau with his brother.

I would highly recommend the March of the Living to every age, especially teens. Not only was it an emotional trip, but my Jewish identity and religious beliefs have also strengthened and become a larger and more important part of me because of it.

Jenna Plotzky is an 11th-grader at Westhill High School.

Carmel Academy has named veteran educator and admin-istrator Rebecca Hammerman as its K-8 principal, a new lead-ership position created as a result of the school’s growth.

Hammerman, whose posi-tion will begin on August 1, has taught at the Columbia Gram-mar School in New York City and the Ethical Culture School in Manhattan. She is currently a fifth grade teacher at the Solomon Schechter School of Westchester. In addition to her teaching experience, Hammerman spent four years as an assistant dean and acting director of admissions at the Jew-ish Theological Seminary.

“These are exciting times at Carmel Academy. Our school is growing and the time has come to add a principal,” said Carmel Academy Head of School Nora Anderson. “As principal, Rebecca will manage the day-to-day needs of our stu-dents, faculty and parents, while giving me

Rebecca Hammerman, Carmel Academy new K-8 principal

Carmel Academy Creates New K-8 Principal RoleRebecca Hammerman to Join Leadership Team

more flexibility to work on stra-tegic initiatives and to continue strengthening the educational excellence that is the hallmark of Carmel Academy.”

“I am overwhelmed by the warmth of the Carmel com-munity,” Hammerman said. “I have been welcomed with open arms and I look forward to collaborating with the ad-ministrative team, members of the faculty, parents and, most importantly, the students, as we continue to build upon

Carmel’s extraordinary reputation in the education community.”

Hammerman holds an M.S. in elemen-tary education from Bank Street College of Education and graduated from Columbia University and the Albert A. List College of Judaic Studies, Jewish Theological Seminary Joint Program. She holds un-dergraduate degrees in both anthropology and modern Jewish studies. In addition to her formal education, Hammerman

has served on the board of Masorti Olami/World Council of Conservative Synagogues, from which she received the first Young Leadership Award recognizing her outstanding contributions.

“The search committee was impressed with Rebecca’s strong educational leader-ship skills, innovative vision for elementary and middle school education, and passion for excellence in teaching. She is a careful listener and a lifelong learner, attributes that

enhance her leadership qualities,” Ander-son said. “We are thrilled to welcome her to the Carmel Academy community.”

In July, Hammerman, her husband and their three children will be moving to Harrison, NY, where her husband, Eytan, will become the rabbi at the JCC of Harrison.

Carmel Academy is a recipient agency of United Jewish Federation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien.

Contestant from “The Israeli Voice” Visits Carmel

The television program “The Voice” is a hit in the United States, but at Carmel Academy the Israeli version of the reality singing competition is all the rage among the school’s seventh grade.

The students have been following the program as part of the school’s Hebrew pilot program titled “The Israeli Voice; My Voice,” which was introduced this

year to enhance the students’ learning of Hebrew as well as their connection with contemporary Israel and Israelis.

Each week, one student presents and facilitates a conversation around an “Is-raeli Voice” segment that they choose to show their peers. Each “behind the scenes” feature about the young artists

See “Carmel” on page 15

First and Last NameGraduating from (name of school) Going to (name of school)Year in Israel (name of program)Advanced Degree (if applicable)

Do you have someone graduating from school

this year?If you have someone special who is graduating this year from middle school, high school, college or post college

and would like to see his/her name in Bits and Piecesfor the September issue, please send me their

information no later than WEDNESDAY, JULY 23:

Please send your news to [email protected] or mail to:

Sandy GoloveUnited Jewish Federation

1035 Newfield AvenueStamford, CT 06905-2591


By Dora SalmMost students have a teacher for a class, a semester

or even a year; with Rabbi David Walk of Bi-Cultural Day School, students have a teacher and a rabbi for life.

“One of the nicest things about living and working in the community is that I remain in close contact with so many of the kids. For me, the relationship continues well past graduation,” said Rabbi Walk.

Recently, Rabbi Walk added author to his repertoire as he published his first book, “Walkthrough the Parsha: Volume I,” a collection of articles written each week on the Torah portions over the past 16 years. Rabbi Walk’s weekly column is distributed to more than 3,000 people via e-mail and this is the first time that his articles have been collected in one volume.

“This was an experimental venture and I had no idea how it was going to be received,” Rabbi Walk said about his publishing experience. He explained that he hopes to publish a second book of popular Torah commentary columns within the next year.

“Rabbi Walk is much more than a Torah scholar and writer; he is a teacher in every sense of the word, bringing parsaha lessons to life through storytelling, leading students through their morning prayers and mentoring children and adults alike,” said Michal Smart. “He shares his vast Judaic knowledge to middle-school

Bi-Cultural’s Rabbi Walk: Author and Teacher

Rabbi David Walk (center) guided students Hannah Becker and Abraham Wall in a group discussion during a Yom Hashoah commemoration program at Bi-Cultural.

students through lessons in Talmud, Jewish philosophy, Torah and Jewish law.”

In addition to his classroom teaching, Rabbi Walk, who has been at BCDS for more than 13 years, ac-companies the eighth-grade students on their an-nual Israeli trip. In addition to being a chaperone, Rabbi Walk is considered a mentor, leading each student through the religious, historic and cultural sites that they’ve studied throughout their years at Bi-Cultural.

As a community leader, Rabbi Walk seeks to connect generations through his role as educational director at Congregation Agudath Shalom, with a primary focus on adult education. Despite the wide age difference between young students and adult learners, Rabbi Walk explained that he teaches the same material to each age group, although he alters the teaching approach. “I present the material in different ways depending on whom I am teaching – in ways that make them feel most comfortable.” Rabbi Walk, a recipient of the Grinspoon Award for Excellence in Education, offers a well-received adult class at BCDS during the day available to all members of the community. The class has a core group of adults that has been attending for more than eight years.

A native of Malden, MA, Rabbi Walk is often seen in the baseball cap of his favorite baseball team, the Boston Red Sox. Being an avid sports fan is another way that he connects with his students.

Teacher, role model and friend, Rabbi Walk has made deep and permanent connections with students of all ages: “My overall message to all students when they leave the school is the same – Judaism is alive and relevant to their everyday lives.”

Bi-Cultural Day School is a recipient agency of United Jewish Federation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien.

specific skills considered vital for today’s teachers.“Teachers who are well-prepared and trained are

more effective in the classroom and have the greatest impact on student learning,” Haron said.

Learning is challenging for today’s students in ways that past generations did not experience. “We live in such a fast-paced, techno-driven society and to find that balance between being prepared for the future and just being a kid is really important,” she said, speaking of today’s students.

Haron has the professional tools to tackle such complexities, yet it is her personal connection with the school that makes this position especially meaningful to her: She is an alumna and parent, and even met her husband as a student.

Her memories as a student are diverse; however, they all share a common theme. “I always felt valued by my teachers, listened to, cared for, safe and secure to take risks. When I graduated, I left as a confident Jew ready to go out into the world. I am proud to have gone here and feel privileged that my own children are attending this school.”


An Interview with Rachel HaronPast and Future at Bi-CulturalBy Dora Salm

One of Rachel Haron’s favorite memories of Bi-Cultural Day School as a student is one particular Lag B’Omer when she was in the fifth grade. Her whole class ventured to the school fields for the holiday and worked together in teams, planning and building tents for their celebration. “We spent the bulk of the day building our tents because they kept falling down,” she said. “In between attempts, we had races, ate popsicles and sang Hebrew songs. The day was a blast.”

Haron will now be able to help bring that same ex-citement for the day school experience with the rest of the Bi-Cultural student body as she begins her new role as director of secular studies.

“I really want to capitalize on all the wonderful things we have going on at Bi-Cultural. There are so many teachable moments on any given day and we should find ways to tap into the whole child, in all areas of learning,” she said.

Haron plans to expand collaboration with the Jew-ish studies team and help bring the “three I’s” to the forefront of the learning process: inquiry, investigation and integration, to ensure that each student becomes a critical learner.

To that end, she will oversee and shape the entire general studies department. Some major upcoming initiatives include implementing thinking maps, visual patterns that guide students in organizing their thought process, and an entire curriculum review in the areas of language arts and social studies. Haron also hopes to focus on the critical skill of reading.

A seasoned educator with education degrees from Barnard College and Iona College and an educational administration certification from the University of Bridgeport, Haron will draw from her experience as a kindergarten-eight teacher at public schools (New Canaan, Greenwich and Stamford) and her past role at Bi-Cultural as director of student services and staff development. Her experience as a language arts cur-riculum specialist, literacy consultant education course writer and instructor has given her insight into the

Rachel Haron (standing) conferred with Bi-Cultural teachers (from left) Gayle Judson, Mimi Rand, Neeley Konak and Beth Fritz. (Photo by Michelle Gordon)

By Dora SalmBi-Cultural’s graduating class of 2014

spent a Shabbaton on May 2-3 hosting students from Yachad/The National Council for Disabilities. The program, held at Congregation Agudath Sholom in Stamford, has become an annual event. Featuring games, meals, services and learn-ing opportunities, the Shabbaton is one of many similar Shabbatons held around the country throughout the year.

The New York-based Yachad/NJCD is a global organization aimed at addressing the needs of all Jewish individuals with disabilities and ensuring their inclusion in all areas of Jewish life. Approximately 30 Yachad members visited Stamford dur-ing this particular Shabbat, and the more than 40 Bi-Cultural students were on hand to meet them.

The weekend began with Friday night prayers and dinner, and was full of games,

Bi-Cultural Students experience Inspiring Shabbaton

Bi-Cultural students and Yachad members met for a Shabbaton at Congregation Agudath Sholom in Stamford on May 2-3.

Bi-Cultural students, Yachad members and their advisors enjoyed prayer and song at the recent Shabbaton.

songs and ice-breaker activities. It ended Saturday evening following Shabbat. Host families residing within walking distance of the synagogue provided housing to both the Bi-Cultural and Yachad students.

In a letter sent to the Bi-Cultural adminis-tration, Tova Medetsky, program coordina-tor for Junior Yachad, expressed her plea-sure with how well the event went and how smoothly the two groups of young people got along. “I’ve seen many communities and many eighth grade classes,” she wrote, “and the ways in which they welcome Yachad. This Shabbaton, though, was by far one of the most incredible ones I’ve been on. I don’t think I’ve seen any other eighth grade class get right into it from the moment they show up and keep that energy up throughout the entire Shabbos like your students did.”

Rabbi Yehuda Jeiger, coordinator of Middle School Jewish Life at Bi-Cultural who organized the weekend, explained that the students were well-prepared for this Shab-

baton. “The kids learn and practice menschlichkeit behavior in the R2 (ruach/spirit and rayut/friendship) program at school. Our program is based on Torah values and how these values affect the success of the community.”

Rabbi Jeiger added, “To further our student’s con-nection to the Stamford community, our students have partnered with various organizations such as Friendship Circle; this has really helped them learn about tikkun olam, tolerance and inclusion.”

The preparation paid off, as Medetsky noted in her letter. “Whenever I saw a Yachad member, I didn’t see an advisor sitting next to them in the circle, or at a meal, or walking to the park, or pushing them in a wheelchair,” she wrote, “I saw eighth-graders doing all those things instead. They were so creative in the ways that they got to know each Yachad member and really strove to make each member feel that sense of belonging.”

Daniel Seligson, an eighth-grader from Bi-Cul-tural, commented on how comfortable each set of students were with the other. He explained, “No one was assigned a particular student. We just hung out and talked with whomever we felt the most comfort-able with.

“I was most nervous about finding someone who I could hang out and be friends with and really get to know, but once we started to talk, it was really natural,” said Seligson.




Bi-Cultural Day School’s annual celebra-tion dinner took place on May 18 at the Stamford Hilton Hotel. The Bi-Cultural community honored Founding Principal Walter Shuchatowitz (known as Mr. S), and Principal and Head of School Jackie Herman. In addition, math teacher Felicia Carriero and science teacher Frank Cron-

Bi-Cultural Celebration Dinner

L-r: Felicia Carriero, Walter Shuchatowitz (Mr. S.), Robert Zitter, Jackie Herman and Frank Cronson. (Photos by Aviva Maller)

Felicia Carriero and eighth-grader Sophie Jacobson danced at the celebration dinner. In the background are Elise Klein, Neeley Konak, Jessica Bradley and Catherine Galvin.

Harriet and Mark Sternlicht were the honorary co-chairs of the event.Bi-Cultural alumni were joined by Walter Shuchatowitz (third from left) and Frank Cronson and Jackie Herman (on the far right).

son were presented with the Jane Shoztic Memorial Award, given to teachers in recognition for their outstanding teaching efforts. The more than 400-strong crowd gathered as a community in music, din-ing and dancing to celebrate the school’s many achievements. Stella Cohen and Tara Shapiro were the dinner’s co-chairs.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

JFS EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING JFS Computer Training Courses: Variety of courses - all levels, individuals or small groups. Nominal fee. Contact Ilene K. Locker: (203) 921-4161 or [email protected].

JFS Seniors2Work: Job Bank for age 50+. Lower Fairfield employers can list full / part time jobs for dedicated, skilled mature workers. No fees. Call Ilene Locker or Jodi Maxner (203) 921-4161. www.seniors2work.org

JFS Life Transitions: Wednesdays at 11:30 am. A support group for the unemployed at the Stamford JFS office. Discuss concerns and issues related to job loss and alternative solutions for career satisfaction. Supported by both JFS Counseling and Employment & Training Departments. To register or info: Rebekah Kanefsky (203) 921-4161 or [email protected]

JFS For Children/ Adolescents Diagnosed With ADD/ADHD. Finding Your Focus. Wednesday afternoons. With Dr. Lee Combrinck-Graham MD. Psychiatric evaluation, review of previous evaluations, family assessment, on-going support, and medication management. Qualifies for insurance reimbursement. For info, contact Eve Moskowitz, at 203-921-4161 or [email protected]

JFS Community and Family Mediation Services. Use third party mediator to help families and individuals resolve conflict. Nominal fees - available on a sliding scale. Resolve conflicts such as an unsatisfactory purchase or repair, landlord dispute, neighbor conflicts, issues with children, marital partners and divorce. Contact Eve Moskowitz, (203) 921-4161 or [email protected].

JFS Counseling: Qualified, licensed professionals provide counseling and psychotherapy to individuals, children, adolescents, families, couples and groups. For emotional support while unemployed, see Life Transitions below. Affordable fees, based on income; no one is “turned away”. Insur-ance accepted. Contact JFS (203) 921-4161.

JFS Individuals / Families in Crisis: Comprehensive services. Assistance with basic necessities, housing, medical, social, legal and financial mat-ters. Fees based on ability to pay. Contact Rita Halpert, JFS (203) 921-4161 #118 or [email protected]

JFS Kosher Food Pantry: Non-perishable staples for those in need. Dona-tions welcomed. Call JFS (203) 921-4161.

JFS COUNSELING, MEDIATION & CRISIS

JFS Counseling At-Home for Seniors: A therapeutic, counseling program to serve older community members in their homes. A skilled social worker will help explore a variety of issues, such as adjustments to living independently, improving social interaction, separation from family members and emotional issues. Service can be billed to Medicare. Strictly confidential. For info, contact Eve Moskowitz at [email protected] or 203-921-4161, ext 122.

JFS Home Companions & Certified Nursing Assistants: Trained aides assist seniors with daily activities, chores, and socialization. Services provided hourly, daily or up to 24/7. Contact JFS Home Companion (203) 921-4161.

JFS Residential Cleaning: Employ professionally trained individuals to clean your home and at the same time help support Jewish Family Service. Rates lower or competitive than other service providers. Contact [email protected]. Jodi Maxner (203) 921-4161 [email protected].

JFS DIVORCE & BEREAVEMENTJFS Bereavement Support Group. Wednesday, 11 – noon at JFS Stamford office. A safe haven to explore your thoughts and feelings about grief with emotional, physical, and spiritual support. For info, contact Rosemarie Delia (the facilitator): (203) 921-4161 or [email protected]

JFS Divorce with Dignity - Avoid Adversarial Dissolution. Divorce mediation program at JFS. Contact Eve Moskowitz (203) 921-4161 #122 or [email protected].

JFS Focus on K.I.D.S. Program for divorced or separated parents experiencing high conflict around parenting decisions. Teaches both parents strategies for communicating in a non-hostile manner. Contact Erika Garcia, (203) 921-4161 or [email protected]

Parent Education Program (PEP): State-mandated workshop for divorcing parents with children. At the Stamford JFS office. $125 pp. Call(203) 324-3167 for dates and to register.

JFS: Jewish Family Service: 203-921-4161; Stamford office: 733 Summer Street, Suite 602; Westport office: 431 Post Road East, Suite 11. www.ctjfs.orgJCC: Jewish Community Center 1035 Newfield Ave, Stamford (203) 322-7900 www.stamfordjcc.org

JFS CARING FOR SENIORS

Support for Those in NeedJuly & August 2014


young voices

VoiCeS aND ViewS

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“The New Jewish Voice” (USPS #428) is published monthly by the United Jewish Federation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien Inc., 1035 Newfield Ave., Stamford, CT 06905-2521.

www.ujf.org for updates and donations

Shoshana Dweck ................................... PresidentJames A. Cohen ...........................Chief Executive Officer

Advisory CommitteeMeryl Gordon ........................................................ C h a i r Stephne Behrend, Caryn Halbrecht, Meryl Japha, Nancy Schulman .....................................M e m b e r s

Reporter Group StaffRabbi Rachel Esserman ....................... Executive EditorDiana Sochor ............................................Layout EditorMichael Nassberg ................................. Assistant Editor Jenn DePersis .......................... Production Coordinator Alaina Cardarelli .................................... Graphic Artist Bonnie Rozen .....................Advertising RepresentativeGregory Senger .......................................... Bookkeeper

Opinions The views expressed in editorials and opinion pieces are those of each author and not necessarily the views of the United Jewish Federation.

LettersThe New Jewish Voice welcomes letters on subjects of interest to the Jewish community. All letters must be signed and include a phone number. The editor may withhold the name upon request. KashruthWe are not responsible for the Kashruth of any advertiser’s product or establishment.

DeadlineRegular deadline is the last Wednesday of the month for the next issue; i.e., the last Wednesday in July for the September issue.

The New Jewish Voice

By Daniella LazarusOver the past

few months, I have been participating in a program called Reading Partners in which we teach kids how to read. I heard about this program though Kulanu and am thrilled to have joined. I meet with

By Diana KanterBrussels, Belgium – Something hap-

pened on May 25 that drew me further into the International Jewish Center. It also drew IJC closer to the Belgian Jew-ish community. And it all came about thanks to Yale University’s a cappella choir Magevet and the power of music.

[The May 24] fatal gun attack at the Jewish Museum in Brussels hit us all with shock, disbelief and some measure of fear. IJC was to host the Magevet choir at our premises less than 24 hours later. However, at nearly midnight Saturday, we were told that the security risk was too high to hold the concert there. IJC ingenuity and hos-pitality kicked in. The final Sunday School classes of the year and the ensuing concert would be held at members’ homes.

With fancy footwork, much generosity and goodwill, both events were quickly moved to new locations with minimum

Impressions of a Teen Reading Partner a second-grade girl every Wednesday at the Boys and Girls Club of Stamford. We read and discuss books, do homework and play educational games.

Joining Reading Partners has been such a rewarding experience. Not only am I helping someone, but I am having fun doing it. The girl I meet with is so sweet, and I feel that we have made so much progress. It is so wonderful to see

Daniella Lazarus

The Power of Musicfuss and upheaval. The Magevet concert was transformed into a kind of IJC house party with the choir performing in a walled garden in Ixelles. Thirteen fresh-faced, smiling and talented youngsters transported us from the stress of the mo-ment to the contemplation of beauty and a universal Jewishness through music. Even a local neighbor commented later on the “other-worldliness” of Magevet’s amazing sound.

Through tears and smiles, we agreed that this had been a cathartic moment, and an important one. And this was only the first act.

Later [that] evening, the choir and host families found themselves at the Jewish Museum in the historic center of Brussels for a show of support for the victims. Thou-sands of people milled about on the Rue de Minimes, cameras and microphones held high, waiting for speeches.

largest R&D center for artificial vision.3. SensAheart a product made by the

Israeli diagnostic technology company Novamed, can be used at home and in the hospital to detect a heart attack coming on.

4. Tel Aviv’s Cheetah Medical invented the NICOM non-invasive cardiac output monitor to prevent sepsis, a life-threaten-ing blood infection that causes one in four hospital deaths and is one of the top 10 causes of death in the United States. Using a patented technology, the NICOM monitors hemodynamics – the movement of blood from the heart to the body’s organs – via four sensors and enables medical professionals to better diagnose and treat the patient.

5. The adjustable, disposable Lubo Airway Collar by Inovytec is a novel airway management and cervical collar device for cases of severe trauma to the neck and spine. It is the first-ever non-invasive device that can open an airway by imitating a jaw-thrust maneuver while protecting the cervical spine en route to the hospital.

6. The Agilite Instant Harness, the world’s smallest Class II rappelling harness, saved the lives of South African miners trapped underground in 2013, The same Israeli company also makes the Injured Person-nel Carrier, a novel hands-free device that allows one rescuer to carry an incapacitated person like a “human backpack.”

7. The Babysense breathing monitor by HiSense alerts parents of respiratory cessa-tion (apnea) in babies. The Israeli break-through technology has helped protect more than 600,000 babies from crib death around the world, and has been copied by numerous other manufacturers.

8. XSight Systems’ award-winning FODetect advanced runway sensors keep runways around the world safe from for-eign object debris (or FOD), birds and wildlife with a unique hybrid optical-radar remote-sensing technology. Direct damage to aircraft caused by FOD is estimated to cost the aviation industry some $4 billion each year. FOD-related damage caused the supersonic jetliner Concorde to crash in 2000, killing 113 people.

9. Hyginex makes a smart bracelet to be worn by every staff member in a hos-

pital to make sure that all personnel wash their hands after contact with patients. Clean hands can practically eliminate most hospital-borne infections. Nurses, doctors and even candy-stripers know it, but Hyginex enforces it.

10. When the iMayDay iPhone app senses that your car has been in a collision, it sets off an alarm and e-mails five pre-de-termined addresses (or generates up to 50 SMS messages) to inform emergency work-ers and/or loved ones about the accident. It works anywhere in the world.

11. PerSys Medical’s Blizzard Survival line of products, including blankets and jackets, leads the market in hypothermia care. The Blizzard Jacket was pivotal last March in the rescue of a mother and son by the Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team in Wales. The lifesaving wraps withstand temperatures as low as -4ºF/-20ºC.

12. Micromedic Technologies special-izes in developing and commercializing novel and innovative cancer diagnostic kits enabling early intervention. The company’s portfolio spans cancer and can-cer-related indications including colorectal cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, blad-der cancer, lung cancer and diagnostic tools for personalized treatment.

13. It started out as a rescue “spider” in 2005, and today the Israeli-made Skysaver is deployed to help evacuate skyscrapers in emergency situations. The device is worn like a backpack and includes a fire-resistant cord that can rappel rescued people to safety.

14. The NowForce smartphone app uses GPS crowd-sourcing tech to rally first-response teams quickly. NowForce was developed jointly with United Hat-zalah, a Jerusalem-based non-profit that trains thousands of neighborhood volunteers to respond to emergencies on foot or ambucycle before ambulances arrive. United Hatzalah teaches its model of community-powered call centers throughout the world.

15. Wearable devices are becoming the rage for doing everything from counting calories to counting reps at the gym. The Oxitone watch is a wearable device that could save your life by measuring blood oxygen levels and alerting to a potential

heart attack well before it happens. It’s expected on the market within a year.

16. Autotalks – maker of the world’s first automotive-grade chipset for series-produc-tion for vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-in-frastructure communication – aims to keep drivers and passengers safer by allowing cars to exchange data. The technology analyzes data transmitted by the on-board processing units of nearby vehicles and warns drivers of any imminent danger. The Israeli company expects all car manufacturers will integrate its systems by 2015.

17. BiondVax has completed trials of its universal flu vaccine first developed at the Weizmann Institute of Science. Pend-ing commercial agreements with govern-ments around the world to continue development, the vaccine could be in the market within two years. Influenza can be deadly. Between 1976 and 2006, flu-asso-ciated deaths in the United States alone were estimated to be in the thousands, possibly as many as 49,000. The 1918 flu pandemic killed three to five percent of the world’s population at the time.

18. Wherever disaster strikes in the world – be it natural or manmade – Israel is always among the first to send medi-cal and search-and-rescue teams and supplies, even when it lacks diplomatic relations with the country in crisis.

Governmental and non-governmental agencies (including Israel Flying Aid, IsraAID, Israeli Humanitarian Aid-Latet, Israel Trauma Coalition, ZAKA, Magen David Adom, Tevel B’Tzedek and many others) have been among those on the scene saving lives after disasters, includ-ing the 2004 tsunami in Sri Lanka; Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans in 2005; the 2007 earthquake in Peru; the 2008 cyclone in Myanmar; Philippines typhoons in 2009 and 2013; the Haiti earthquake in 2010 ; a 2010 hospital fire in Romania ; the Japan earthquake and tsunami and the Turkish earthquakes in 1999 and 2011; and Hurricane Sandy on the U.S. East Coast in 2012.

Israel also set up a field hospital on its border to treat victims of the Syrian civil war, and continues to provide – without charge — lifesaving treatment of wounded Syrian civilians at its northern hospitals.

Inventions Continued from page 1

Behind the scenes, some of us were trying to convince the organizers to let Magevet sing as a measure of their re-spect for the victims and for all the Jews and supporters gathered there. And the magical moment came with the shortest of introductions.

From deep within the huge crowd, behind the speaker’s podium, the choir started singing “Yerushalayim Shel Zahav.” No one could see them, just hear them. Their sweet voices rose and reverberated off the walls of the narrow streets and brought everyone to the same reflective moment.

When the last chord died away, there weren’t many dry eyes left – including in the choir. These young men and women had never performed to such a large crowd before, improvised like this before – and for some, hadn’t been to Europe before. Each was overwhelmed

and drained by the moment.One young choir member started

sobbing uncontrollably and several of us patted him on the back to offer support. I was one of them, sandwiched – quite by chance and for a few moments – between Vice Prime Minister Joëlle Milquet and Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo. They of-fered pats, too.

Several minutes later, once this young man had recovered sufficiently, I told him that one of people who had comforted him was the Belgian prime minister.

This was meant to be – for all the wrong – and right – reasons.

The International Jewish Center is an English-speaking Reform Jewish congregation in Brussels.

Magevet member Daniel Gordon, Stamford resident and Bi-Cultural Day School graduate, was one of the Yale students who performed in Brussels.

how meeting with her once a week for a little over four months has made such a difference. She is far more confident in her reading abilities and has really come out of her shell.

Daniella Lazarus will be entering the 11th grade in the fall at Greenwich Academy. She is one of 15 teens who visit with young students weekly at both the Boys and Girls Club and Domus/Chester Addison

Community Center. “These teens have a knack for bonding extraordinarily quickly with the students and as she said, can give a young person another important role model and confidant to rely on,” said Marlyn Agatstein, director of Reading Partners. “By giving of their time and making the commitment, these teens show these young people the power of friendship, of community and the value of volunteering.”



Temple Sinai’s teachers have spent the past two years learning about how to maximize the use of technology in the re-ligious school classroom. Temple Sinai’s education director, Melissa Cohavi, made the use of technology a priority in the school after attending a NATE (National Association of Temple Educators) con-ference and learning about all the ways that technology can be used in a school with limited hours each week.

Cohavi worked in partnership with lay leader Jen Yamron, whose background and expertise is in educational technolo-gy. The result was a full two-year program that resulted in each teacher becoming more comfortable with both how to use technology and how to implement it into the supplemental school setting. Some examples are the integration of smart phones into class lessons, the appropriate use of www.youtube.com, using resources from educational websites such as www.behrmanhouse.com, using music more heavily in the classroom, setting up blogs and class websites, and more.

Cohavi said, “I was blown away by how much the faculty learned and absorbed

Temple Sinai Teaching Faculty Learns about Technology

through the two-year program that Jen Yamron and I put together. The results can be seen in the classroom with more engaged students. Instead of just using the frontal style of teaching, we are moving more toward where our students are in their secular lives, and that is really impor-tant. I am so proud of all of my teachers because no matter what level they started at, everyone learned something new.”

Cohavi also said that she uses technol-ogy in many other ways throughout the school, especially in the Family Chavurah programs that meet three times per year for each grade. “A great example of the use of technology in our Family Chavurah programs,” she said, “was the Jewish Time Jump program through Converjent that we ran in the fall with the sixth-graders and their parents. We played a video game and learned about American Jewish history at the same time – it was great!”

Temple Sinai plans to continue to support the use of technology in its school in the future because it is con-sidered important for both learning and engagement.

and their conversations with the judges explores topics about society, religion, ethnicity, family background, age, gender and musical genres. The conversations between those who are auditioning and the judges, as well as the dialogues be-tween judges themselves, provide a win-dow into the diverse and multi-layered nature of Israeli society.

“By watching this process, our students not only improve their language skills, but also their facilitation skills as they deepen their understanding of the dif-ferent issues that surface through the contestants’ personal stories, triumphs, failures and successes,” said Dr. Tali Al-douby-Schuck, Carmel Academy’s direc-tor of Judaic studies curriculum.

The reality television program is filled with surprises, but perhaps the biggest surprise for Carmel’s seventh-graders was a visit this past May from “Israeli Voice” contestant Noa Danay.

The 18-year-old Israeli spoke to the sev-enth-graders about her journey of audition-

Noa Danay (fifth from left), a contestant from “The Israeli Voice,” visited with Carmel Academy seventh-graders.

ing and competing on “The Israeli Voice.” She shared with the students what it was like to move to Israel as a 16-year-old from Long Island when she was accepted to be on the show, the thrill of singing, making aliyah, her love of Israel and her acceptance to Lahakat Tzahal, the IDF band. She also shared her video auditions and sang both American and Israeli songs.

“We want our students to become competent Hebrew speakers, readers and writers. Our goal is for them to be able to engage in dialogue with Israelis about every day matters relevant to Israeli culture and personal matters that relate to their daily lives,” said Carmel Middle School Hebrew teacher Anat Ankava. “It was amazing to hear our seventh-graders ask Noa about her auditions, the judges, her feelings about being on stage, her school-ing, her successes and her failures, as well as her future – entirely in Hebrew.”

Carmel Academy is a recipient agency of United Jewish Federation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien.

Carmel Continued from page 11

On May 22, Bi-Cultural’s middle-school students got a glimpse of life in various professions in the real world.

Professionals from the tri-state area prepared presentations that tapped into the students’ interests in various working environments. Experts in such fields as interior design and decorating, newspaper journalism, technology engi-

Career Day at Bi-Cultural

monthly Tot Shabbat program, there will be several new activities for families with toddlers and preschool-age children.

Beginning this September, TBE is part-nering with Moving Traditions for “Rosh Chodesh: It’s a Girl Thing” and “Shevet Achim: The Brotherhood,” programs for eighth- and ninth-grade teens. The pro-grams – “Rosh Chodesh: It’s a Girl Thing” for teen girls and “Shevat Achim: The Brother” for teen boys – intend to offer young people the opportunity to explore

TBe Religious School Mitzvah Day Celebration New Children’s Programs Planned for the Fall

This spring, Temple Beth El con-cluded the 2013-14 religious school year with a Mitzvah Day program. Each class participated in a project that serves the community. The students observed mitz-vot associated with honoring their elders and visiting the sick as they decorated and planted flower pots, made cards and baked cookies for the Jewish Home.

Some students performed mitzvot asso-ciated with feeding the hungry and caring for the earth as they planted vegetables in the temple’s mitzvah garden with vol-unteers from the garden committee.

The sixth-grade class held a Tzedakah Fair. Students worked in teams to choose and research charitable organizations,

made display boards and gave presenta-tions to their fellow students about their chosen charities. Students from all of the classes then helped to determine how to al-locate the tzedakah money collected by the students throughout the school year.

The morning ended with an assembly honoring teachers and student mad-richim, and celebrating a year of sharing and learning together.

The upcoming 2014-15 school year will include a revitalized morning program for children during the High Holidays; many interactive Shabbat and holiday activities and projects for families with children of all ages; and community celebrations of Shabbat. In addition to the regular

the challenges faced by their respective genders through a Jewish lens in a casual, informal, experiential and supportive environment. All eighth and ninth grade age students throughout the Stamford and the surrounding communities will be welcome to participate, regardless of synagogue or movement affiliation.

For more information about TBE programs for children and teens, contact Lisa Gittelman Udi at 203-322-6901, ext. 305, or e-mail [email protected].

K’tanim and kindergarten students decorated and planted flower pots for the Jewish Home.

The TBE religious school student madrichim were honored at the year-end assembly.

First- and second-graders planted vegetables in the TBE Mitzvah Garden.

neering and medicine visited Bi-Cultural and gave the students a glance into the professional world and provided them with best practices and guidance in how to succeed in an ever-changing profes-sional landscape.


At right: Rachel Seligson, manager of Supply Chain Management Philanthropy at Pfizer Inc., discussed the nuances of her position in the area of bringing products to developing countries at Bi-Cultural’s recent Career Day.

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